Usually, the faces change but the places stay the same. At least that’s the idea when it comes to the myriad of comedy houses peppered throughout Los Angeles. The names come and go (some bigger than others), but the brand and the comedy philosophy stay with the space. Groundlings, ACME,  iO West, and UCB (a relative newcomer, but still not-so-quietly celebrating their 5th anniversary this month) all preach a very specific form of comedy, and have been doing it in one form or another for years. Each of these, however, pale in longevity to ComedySportz LA, which holds a very unique distinction as not only the most tenured comedy theater in town, but is actually the longest running stage show in Los Angeles. All of which could change without your help. more ›

Working to cut low performing stores in a tough economy, Albertsons announced the slashing of 9 stores, which is expected to only affect 12 people's jobs as others should be reassigned. The stores are located in Canoga Park, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Lakewood, Cathedral City, Lancaster, Rancho Cucamonga, San Diego and Temple City, according to the LA Times. more ›

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's not-just-a-coffee-but-a-lifestyle plans for global domination continue to crumble. Best known for making coffee really expensive, Starbucks will close 600 "underperforming" stores and lay off 12,000 employees in the U.S. The company that over-franchised to the point of putting your favorite ma and pa coffeeshops out of business since 1971 is swimming in a hot brown sea of bad news. Recently Starbucks backed off its short-lived promise deliver good music and then proceeded to introduce a new coffee blend that was described as "reminiscent of a taste from the dentist's office." Check this map to see if your Starbucks has disappeared. more ›